Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay Celebrate Achievements of Local Children and Youth Thunder Bay,

Today, to recognize Go Purple for Prevention Day, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay (CAS) announced the top 10 finalists of its Step Up Spotlight Contest. The contest was launched as a part of the annual Step Up Campaign that raises awareness about Child Abuse Prevention Month. Over the past two weeks the organizations were asking the community to nominate children and youth who are stepping up in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities.

Whether it is through volunteer work, excelling as an athlete, being an exceptional student, or simply showing respect and a positive attitude, the top finalists were selected based on their nomination by a committee comprised of Directors from Dilico and CAS. They are as follows: • Grace Porter, 8 years old, St. Bernard School • Sawyer Lyric King- 5 years old- Claude E. Garton • Hannah Browning, 16 years old, Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute • Jack Calderon, 3 years old, Nanabijou Child Care Centre • Rayne Grace Meekis, 13 years old, Bishop E.Q. Jennings School • Keewaedin Crews, 11 years old, St. Ann School • Hayleigh Cory,16 years old, Hammarskjold High School • Deagan MacLaurin, 9 years old, St. Elizabeth School • Charlie Poulin, 6 years old, Ogden Community School • Abby & Emma Skok, 12 & 10 years old, Kingsway Park School As a part of the grand prize, the children and youth will be in a poster series that will be featured at local schools, organizations and the official Step Up Facebook page (facebook.com/StepUpThunderBay).

“Dilico and the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay are just thrilled with the results of this contest. There are so many amazing children and youth in our community that are stepping up and they deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. This just shows what happy and healthy children are capable of. We are proud to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of these kids, and all of the children and youth across northwestern Ontario;” says Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Director of Child Welfare, Carmela Hardy. “These kids are role models to their peers and will inspire others in the community. The Step Up Spotlight Contest really nurtures confidence, talent and creativity, which will help kids excel in their adult life. Today we recognize the importance of giving each child a happy and healthy childhood and remind the community to acknowedge the success and achievements of children and youth year round. Children can accomplish so much when a community steps up to support them;” says Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay, Executive Director, Brad Bain. Everyone at today’s celebration wore purple for Go Purple for Prevention Day. It is an annual event that has been happening in the district of Thunder Bay for several years, that asks schools, families, businesses, organizations and individuals to wear purple to recognize and support Child Abuse Prevention Month. October is Child Abuse Prevention Month across Ontario, and has been officially declared in the City of Thunder Bay. The Step Up campaign reminds the community that we are ALL responsible to protect children and we must step up. By stepping up, adults can help a child or give a family in crisis the help they need. Child abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse and/or neglect.

If you have concerns about a child, please call: • Dilico Anishinabek Family Care: 1-855-623-8511 (Emergency service 24 hours a day) • Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay: 1-800-465-3905 or (807) 343-6100